American Association of Psychedelics
Team
Hello, I am David Norris
Executive Director
I am a retired senior officer from the British Military working with some of the greatest minds in addressing one of the largest global issues to date, Veteran Suicide. Our focus is initially on this population as this is the largest group with the highest risk of self-inflicted harm and chronic debilitation from mental health issues. My goal with the American Association of Psychedelics in acting as their Executive Director is to bring the necessary pieces together to solve an issue that seems 'unsolvable'. The Veterans are our Phase One followed by Phase Two, Blue Light Personnel, expanding to as many phases as possible in order to address the issue at hand.
Hello, I am Dr. Javier Muniz
Board Member
I am a seasoned psychiatrist and regulatory expert with over 20 years of experience spanning clinical practice, government service, and pharmaceutical consulting. I began my career in the United States Air Force, serving as a clinician, educator, and leader in high-stakes settings, including deployments to Afghanistan and leadership roles at Andrews Air Force Base. My journey continued in the U.S. Public Health Service, where I managed psychiatric services for Wounded Warrior programs and advised on national security initiatives. For over a decade, I contributed to public health as a senior medical officer and leader at the FDA, specializing in psychiatric drug development. As Associate Director in the Division of Psychiatry Products, I played a pivotal role in regulatory science, drug approvals, and policy development for treatments addressing mental health conditions.
Hello, I am Sam Jones
Board Member
I am a Vietnam veteran that has been working in the veteran community as a social worker for several decades. Knowing the immense need for organizations such as the American Association of Psychedelics, I was glad to accept a position on the board knowing I will be part of the solution we are all trying to identify. I am proud to also lead Tri-Cities Military Affairs Council as well as serve as a Commander with AMVETS.
Working in the community and the political sector in the state of Tennessee, I have seen many lives that have been
taken due to the needs not being readily available whether through barriers of fear, inaccessibility and/or affordability. Working with the many amazing individuals at the American Association of Psychedelics gives us hope for the future as this organization is one that is boots on the ground making a direct difference.
Hello, I am Katie Walker, CRNA, PMHNP
Clinical Advisory
I am an anesthesia and psychiatry professional that has been designated a subject matter expert in ketamine therapies. Working in healthcare for over twenty years, I have been able to identify many facets in both the inpatient and outpatient sectors with special notice to the deficits of the system. My passion is to advocate for those that are asking for help while building the necessary service lines that are more effective with a higher quality of care. I have participated in care with over 15,000 individuals for ketamine therapies while working with a wide array of specialists including therapists, neuroscientists, critical care specialists, neurologists, psychiatrists, and other specialists.
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I am grateful for the American Association of Psychedelics and the bravery of these individuals leading the necessary disruption for better health of us all.
Hello, I am Dr. Brijen L. Joshi, MD
Clinical Advisory
As a Johns Hopkins-trained cardiac anesthesiologist, critical care specialist, and physician-researcher, I turned my own battle with chronic pain into a mission to revolutionize healthcare. I founded Vita Nova Clinic to deliver transformative therapies for chronic pain and mental health, offering cutting-edge, life-changing solutions to patients who’ve been told there’s no hope.
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In neuroscience, I’ve broken new ground alongside Cambridge University, exploring cerebral autoregulation and the brain’s inner networks, with our findings published in leading scientific journals. My passion for innovation extends beyond the lab—I founded Smile Studio Dentistry in Maryland, redefining dental care, and launched OnPoint Ventilation, a breakthrough device poised to transform thoracic surgery.
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Honored as a Top Doctor of Baltimore, I refuse to accept limits. Whether in the clinic, academia, or the startup world, my vision is clear: to relentlessly push the frontiers of medicine and reimagine the future of healing.
Hello, I am Nick Nowak, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Advisory
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As a clinical pharmacist with over a decade of healthcare experience, including emergency medicine, compounding pharmacy, and digital health innovation. He has served as a university faculty member, led clinical inpatient teams for the United States Air Force, and developed protocols ensuring regulatory compliance and safety. Passionate about revolutionizing mental health care for first responders, veterans, and active-duty military, his work prioritizes evidence-based treatments that improve outcomes for those who serve.